The ankle injury

The most common basketball injury is the ankle sprain which is an injury to the ligaments on the outside or inside of the ankle joint This injury, commonly referred to as ankle “pulls” or “rolling” the ankle, often occurs when a player lands on another player’s foot or the ankle rolls too far outward. When this happens, the ligaments connecting bones and supporting the ankle are stretched and torn. The ligaments can tear partially or completely.

{{Signs of an ankle sprain include:}} - Swelling around the “ankle bone” (malleolus) - Discoloration of the ankle and foot - Pain with walking or other weight bearing activities - Tenderness near the “ankle bone” (malleolus) - Decreased motion

{{Treatment:}} To treat your sprain, your doctor prescribes a short period of immobilization, keeping the joint still, so the ligaments can heal. - Ice 15-20 minutes every hour - Elevate the foot above heart level - Rest - Ace wrap starting near the toes and wrapping up towards the ankle - Crutches may be necessary if the athlete cannot tolerate weight or walk without limping** Always see a physician if athlete cannot weight-bear, has abnormal swelling, or increased pain. Call EMS if any deformity is present at time of injury. After immobilization, you begin special exercises to strengthen the muscles that help hold your ankle in place. If your muscles and ligaments are not strong enough to prevent reinjury, you might need surgery to repair the damage and to help stabilize your ankle. Prevention of injuries always starts with the right equipment such as a proper basketball and appropriate shoes. A good high-top court shoe provides necessary support to the ankles. Running shoes and tennis shoes may not provide ankle support when cutting, stopping and jumping on the court. To avoid common injuries, athletes must seriously consider conditioning stretching and strengthening. Source: Hughston Sports Medicine FoundationSports Health Cleveland clinicTherapy services associates